Report: Terrorists planning attacks on airport, correctional centres in Abuja, Niger state

Terrorists are planning attacks on key infrastructure in Abuja and Niger state, according to a memo by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The Associated Press, which obtained the memo, reported that the planned targets include the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and a prison facility in Abuja, as well as a military detention centre in neighbouring Niger state.

The report said Nigeria’s security forces are on high alert over the threat. The NCS warned that the plan is similar to an attack in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, in January, when terrorists attacked an air force base, wounding four soldiers and damaging an aircraft.

“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure.

“An analysis of the report reveals a concerning correlation between the potential targeting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja and recent large-scale attacks on aviation facilities in Niger Republic, notably in Niamey and Tahoua,” the publication said.

“This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria.”

The memo comes days after the US State Department, in a travel advisory, authorised non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave its embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

However, the federal government said the recent travel advisory issued by the US government is a “precautionary measure based on internal protocols”. Thecable